Ireland Declared Free of HPAI in Poultry, Parrot Owners Urged Vigilance

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has published Ireland’s self-declaration of freedom from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza viruses (HPAI) in poultry, with an effective date of 01 January 2026. The declaration marks a return to HPAI-free status for domestic poultry in Ireland, but authorities caution that the high-risk period continues and vigilance remains necessary.

Minister Heydon commended the efforts behind the achievement and warned stakeholders to keep up precautions. “This publication means that Ireland has regained its status regarding ‘Freedom from HPAI’. It is a real credit to our poultry industry and my Department, and I want to acknowledge the effort involved in reaching this point. Unfortunately, we’re still in the high-risk period and I want to remind all stakeholders to remain vigilant.”

Key legal measures remain in place to limit transmission and protect bird health. These include the Housing Order (Avian Influenza (Precautionary Confinement of Birds and Restriction on Assembly of Live Birds) Regulations 2025, S.I. No. 532 of 2025) and the Biosecurity Measures Regulations (Statutory Instrument 520/2025 - Avian Influenza (Biosecurity measures) Regulations 2025). While no HPAI detections have been recorded in Ireland in 2026 in wild birds or domestic poultry to date, cases continue to be reported across Europe and in Great Britain, reinforcing the need for ongoing compliance.

For parrot owners the practical implications are straightforward. Keep aviaries, flights, and indoor enclosures secure and limit any contact between pet parrots and wild birds. Observe the confinement and assembly restrictions where they apply, and maintain strong biosecurity: clean and disinfect hands, footwear, cages, perches, and feeding equipment after outdoor activity. Before attending or organising bird fairs, meet-ups, or swaps, verify whether restrictions apply and follow the event organiser’s guidance.

Veterinary support remains an essential part of the response. Report any unusual illness or sudden deaths in pet parrots or other birds promptly to your avian vet and follow their advice on testing and isolation. For the latest official information and any changes to measures, check the gov.ie birdflu webpage for updates from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

This declaration restores important trade and health status for Ireland’s poultry sector and reduces immediate pressure on backyard and commercial flocks. For the parrot community, it is a welcome sign but not a signal to relax practices; consistent biosecurity, careful movement and attendance decisions, and rapid reporting of concerns will determine whether freedom from HPAI is sustained.